Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen Inland Waterways

Illinois and Middle Mississippi River P3

This proposed project would require the significant rehabilitation of eight locks with capital costs expected to run between $500 million and $750 million, as well as possible expansion of several locks. A regional authority (the Midwest Waterways Authority) has been established in Illinois to run the project that could eventually involve the neighboring states. The state of Illinois has expressed interest in serving as a non-federal sponsor of the project, and it has won the support of federal legislators in Illinois.